Mamelodi Sundowns’ first match of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season against Marumo Gallants has been postponed after the Premier Soccer League (PSL) agreed to a request from the reigning CAF Champions League winners.
The league fixture had been due to take place on 1 August, but the PSL granted a deferment following a formal approach from Masandawana, who have endured a traumatic and stuttering build-up to the new campaign.
Tragedy and disrupted preparations
Sundowns’ preparations were thrown into disarray in July by the sudden death of midfielder Jayden Adams, who passed away at the age of 26.
As a mark of respect, the club cancelled what was meant to be their opening pre-season friendly against Red Bull Salzburg, delaying the start of Miguel Cardoso’s on-field work with the squad.
When Kabo Yellow eventually resumed their programme, they struggled to build momentum or fluency during a pre-season tour of Austria, where a combination of injuries and key departures compounded their difficulties.
Injuries, Shalulile exit and winless tour
Cardoso’s squad had to contend with several fitness problems on the tour, while also adjusting to life without long-serving forward Peter Shalulile, a club legend whose departure has left a significant void in attack.
The Brazilians completed the trip without registering a single victory. They were beaten 2-0 by Al Hilal and were held to 1-1 draws by both Hertha Berlin and MC Alger.
Those results underlined the work still required before the domestic season gets under way, with shortcomings in performance leaving the technical team with limited time to implement improvements.
Champions of Africa, but dethroned at home
Despite the troubled pre-season, Sundowns head into the new campaign as continental champions. They claimed their second CAF Champions League crown in 2025/26, beating FAR Rabat in the final.
On the domestic front, however, the picture was less positive. After a dominant era in which they captured eight consecutive league titles, Sundowns surrendered the Betway Premiership crown last season.
Dropped points at crucial moments – including a costly defeat by TS Galaxy – opened the door for Orlando Pirates, who ultimately finished a single point ahead of Masandawana to be crowned champions.
The postponement of the opening fixture against Marumo Gallants now offers Cardoso and his staff additional time to stabilise the squad, address tactical and physical concerns and attempt to reset after an emotionally and physically draining off-season.
